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New York utilities, including National Grid, are investing over $4 billion to modernize the electric grid to support renewable energy, manufacturing plants, and AI data centers mainly located in rural areas. The Public Service Commission has approved $4.3 billion for 62 transmission projects aimed at improving infrastructure by 2030.

Customers will start paying between $32 and $64 annually for these upgrades. Much of New York's grid is outdated, with significant portions over 50 years old. The upgrades are essential for transmitting renewable energy from rural areas to urban centers.

However, there are concerns about the equitable distribution of costs among customers, especially as utility rates have increased significantly. The modernization aims to facilitate economic growth and accommodate the increasing electricity demand, which has been compounded by new energy-intensive industries.